The Ultimate Guide to Sparkling Wine: Tips, Pairings, and More

The pleasure of the sparkling wine is beyond that satisfying pop of the cork and throwing a party. In fact, there's a whole world of styles, flavors, and vibes to explore from those bubbly vinos. For example, Champagne or Prosecco are both considered fine sparkling wines but each one brings its own special flair and taste. In this article, we're going to explain the main types of sparkling wines, what makes them tick, and what cuisine pairs perfectly with each. 

Main Types of Sparkling Wine

First of all let's begin by listing the most popular and well-known sparkling wines. But before that, did you know that the bubbles in fine sparkling wines are created through a natural fermentation process? Carbon dioxide is produced during that process which gives the wine that fizzy and sparkly character. 

On our website, The Wine Caverns, we make sure that each bottle’s bubbles are produced naturally and slowly. So,  enjoy every single sip from our Sparkling White NV Kingscote Blanc de Blancs or our Sparkling Wine Silver Reign Rosé Brut either solo or with friends !

Champagne

Champagne comes straight from the Champagne region in Northern France and is a very tasty type of sparkling wine. Think flavors like crisp apple, juicy peach, buttery brioche, and a hint of richness. It's mostly dry, but you can also find some off-dry options on our website if you're feeling a bit sweet.

Pair your wine with oysters, lobster, crab, or even fish and chips for that perfect high-low vibe.

Cava

Next up, we've got Cava, the Spanish sparkling wine from Catalunya! It's made using the same method as Champagne, so expect a tasty mix of apple, almond, and lime, with a little brioche and fruity goodness thrown in. 

This bubbly is best enjoyed with some Spanish tapas, seafood, croquettas, and those salty almonds that are just too good to resist.

Prosecco

Prosecco is an Italian crowd-pleaser from Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. This one's all about fresh and fruity vibes, with flavors of pear, green apple, and zesty citrus.

It's a match made in heaven with Parmesan, prosciutto, and crostini, or even as a palate cleanser with some spicy Vietnamese dishes.

English sparkling wine

Coming from places like Kent, Hampshire, and Sussex, these wines are made from the same grapes as Champagne. They've got a super clean taste with notes of gooseberry, lemon, and green apple. 

They pair beautifully with classic British fare like trout, new potatoes, and buttery asparagus.

Crémant

Let's not forget about Crémant, which you can find all over France. It's a fabulous alternative to Champagne, boasting a creamy texture and flavors of lemon, lime, and floral notes. 

Serve it up with some rillettes, pâté, buttery pastries, or cured meats for a real treat.

Lambrusco

This classic Italian red sparkler is like a party in a glass. With its deep purple hue and those rich black-fruit vibes, it's the perfect sip to kick off any gathering.

Moscato d'Asti

Last but definitely not least, we've got Moscato d'Asti, the sweet Italian gem. It's bursting with flavors of sweet peaches, floral aromas, and a zesty lemon that'll have you coming back for more. Plus, like our Wild Life Botanicals Sparkling Nude 0.5% NV, it's low on alcohol, so it's the perfect pick if you're in the mood for something light and refreshing.

Now, when it comes to munchies, Moscato d'Asti is a total match with light, creamy desserts like Victoria sponge cake and scones for that classic afternoon tea vibe.

Production Methods

Sparkling wines like our Rosé Brut NV Kingscote NV can either be made traditionally or via tank method. Let's see how each process goes:

Traditional method

Champagne, Cava, English sparkling wines, Crémant, and all those amazing sparkling wines are made bubbly through the traditional method. This method is all about letting the magic happen right in the bottle! You get that awesome flavor boost from the yeast hanging out in there for a while. Here's the lowdown: 

First, base wine is popped in a bottle after the first fermentation process.

Then, a little sugar and yeast is added for the second fermentation, all in the same bottle.

This aging on the lees is what gives it that rich complexity and those super fine bubbles.

Tank method

The tank method, which is the go-to for making Prosecco is way more chill and way less labor-intensive. Basically the base wine is fermented in big, pressurized tanks, which makes it a lot easier on the wallet. Here's how it rolls: 

• The fermentation process is done in sealed stainless steel tanks keeping it all fresh and clean.
• The aging time is way shorter, so you get those bright, fruity vibes.

Just a heads up, the bubbles here are a bit bigger and not as persistent as the traditional method. 

Choosing Your Perfect Sparkling Wine

When it comes to picking your sparkling wine, think about what flavors tickle your fancy, what you're munching on, and how much you want to spend. Whether you're going for a fancy Champagne to impress or a laid-back with the Sparkling Harlot Collection, perfect for a chill hangout, knowing your options can really amp up the fun.

Exploring different types not only spices up your palate but also gives you a deeper love for the art of winemaking. At The Wine Caverns, we understand all your needs and that's why you will find here any type of high quality wine in the comfort of your place.

 After reading all things sparkling wine and you’re feeling slightly inspired – head over to thewinecaverns.co.uk and shop from our award-winning collections: https://thewinecaverns.co.uk/collections/sparkling-wines